Author Archives: sepacsoma

Recap: September 2024 Mtg – Back to School

SEPTEMBER 2024: MEETING RECAPFor our first community meeting of the year, we had a chance to hear from Superintendent Jason Bing and Assistant Superintendent of Special Services Kathleen Gesumaria, and just as importantly, they had a chance to hear from the SEPAC parent community! Catch up here with our meeting notes! 

SOMSD: Special Education Audit Results, October 2024

SPECIAL EDUCATION AUDITResults of the recent Special Education Audit and recommendations for the district going forward were shared at the 10/15 BOE Meeting. SEPAC SOMA highly recommends reading the full report and watching the meeting recording. Understanding the district’s challenges and goals helps make us better advocates for our children with disabilities. It’s a longContinue reading “SOMSD: Special Education Audit Results, October 2024”

Announcement: BOE Candidate Questionnaire, October 2024

SEPAC SOMA BOE CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE 2024Each year SEPAC SOMA invites SOMSD Board of Education candidates to respond to several questions about issues related to Special Education in our district. We are pleased to share with you the 2024 BOE Candidate Responses to our questionnaire. We thank all the candidates for taking the time to share their perspectives.Continue reading “Announcement: BOE Candidate Questionnaire, October 2024”

Resource: Dyslexia Awareness Month, October 2024

DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTHOctober is Dyslexia Awareness Month! The New Jersey Dyslexia Handbook is a great resource for educators, students, families, and community members about dyslexia, early literacy development, and the best practices for identification, instruction, and accommodation of students who have reading difficulties. 

Resource: BOE Candidate Forums, October 2024

BOE FORUMSThere are seven candidates on the November 5th ballot vying for three spots on the Board of Education. Board members serve three-year terms, so it’s important to educate yourself on the candidates. One of the best ways is by attending the candidate forums happening this month. The forums are open to all! (Another fantasticContinue reading “Resource: BOE Candidate Forums, October 2024”

Meeting: Bullying & HIB, October 2024

BULLYING & HIB AT THE PREK & ELEMENTARY LEVELWhat happens when a student is accused of bullying? What happens when it is a student with a disability? What is the expectation for those on the receiving end of a HIB? Join in the conversation on this important meeting to understand and demystify the HIB process,Continue reading “Meeting: Bullying & HIB, October 2024”

Meeting: Mental Health & Special Education, October 2024

MENTAL HEALTH & SPECIAL EDUCATIONMonday, October 14 @ 7:30pm We hear you! Mental Health and Anxiety were the top concerns in our 2024-2025 Parent Survey, so we’re diving into this tough topic with a new series of meetings designed to share our experiences as parents and caregivers and work together to identify resources in ourContinue reading “Meeting: Mental Health & Special Education, October 2024”

Workshop: College with Accommodations, October 2024

NOW WHAT?! COLLEGE WORKSHOP Join Matt Endlich, CHS Transitions Coordinator, to learn about starting college with a 504 or IEP. This is a great meeting for juniors, seniors and their parents/guardians. Learn more here and register here (by 10/15, please). Wednesday, October 16 @ 7:00pm◉ Columbia High School Auditorium

Meet Up: Cup Chat with BOE Candidates, October 2024

CUP CHATS: Conversation, Connection & CommunityOur informal, in-person gatherings are a great way to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district. The seven candidates running for the SOMSD Board of Education have been invited to join us to hear your experiences with Special Education in this districtContinue reading “Meet Up: Cup Chat with BOE Candidates, October 2024”